Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has called for mandatory lifestyle audits for all prosecutors, warning that officials living beyond their declared pay grade posed a threat to the justice system’s integrity and will never vouch for them.
In an interview with the SABC, Kubayi stressed that prosecutors unwilling to undergo audits should raise immediate concerns.
“If a prosecutor does not feel comfortable… if they live beyond their means, it’s a problem because they are risking the system,” she said.
“Until all prosecutors undergo lifestyle audits, I cannot publicly vouch for their integrity.”
The minister’s remarks come amid the search for new leadership at the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), following the end of NDPP Shamila Batohi’s contract this month.
Kubayi praised Batohi’s tenure, noting that she has never been linked to corruption or political interference.
Yet, she highlighted that the NPA has long needed a “turnaround” to rebuild credibility in an institution historically marred by internal divisions and allegations of misconduct.
Kubayi’s call reflects wider concerns about public servants living beyond their pay grades.
Reports over the years have revealed officials flaunting luxury cars, designer goods, and high-end properties inconsistent with their salaries—raising questions about the source of their wealth.
A notable example comes from the Gauteng Government, where an internal audit revealed that supply chain employees had engaged in irregular practices and corrupt dealings, highlighting vulnerabilities in state institutions.
Lifestyle audits are increasingly viewed as a critical safeguard.
By verifying that officials’ assets and spending align with their legitimate income, authorities aim to deter corruption and identify potential conflicts of interest before they compromise the system.
Kubayi stressed that these audits are not punitive but are necessary for building trust in the justice system.
“Doing lifestyle audits across the board provides comfort even where allegations arise,” she said.
“I need something valid and verifiable to be able to vouch for integrity.”
According to Kubayi, accountability and transparency are the key factors to getting people to toe the line.
Politics
